Hysterocrates gigas

Cameroon Brown Tarantula

Hysterocrates gigas by titín

Adult Size: 6-7inch leg span
Locality: Central africa, particularly prominant in Cameroon
Habits: Terrestrial, burrower.
Temperament: Shy, defensive when cornered.

Temperature: 70-80f
Humidity: 70-80%
Diet:Pinhead crickets for spiderlings, adults will happily take larger insects (crickets, cockroaches, locusts etc) and even small vertabrates
Housing: This relatively large spider does well in a 10gallon enclosure as an adult. Deep substrate is a must as these like to borrow. A piece of cork bark or similar should be provided as a hide, as well as a shallow water bowl.

Notes:

H. gigas has gained popularity over the last few years, however many owners complain all they have is an angry pet hole (they rarely see the spider, and when they do its none too pleased to see them). I should however say on the rare occassions you do see the tarantula, it is particularly beautiful, having a lovely velvetty brown appearance. This species produces extensive burrows, often with more than one chamber. A welcome addition to any collection in my opinion, and a great example of a large burrowing species.